Charging Interface Soft Short Detection Using Voltage Reference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic devices face issues with soft short circuits at charging interfaces due to water ingress or capacitor degradation, leading to uncontrolled high currents that can cause overheating and damage.
Innovation Solution
A power management circuit with a voltage reference and processor detects soft short circuits by comparing initial and additional voltage measurements, triggering control actions such as powering down the device or displaying maintenance notifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional detection methods (resistance, voltage, current) are used, then the detection mechanism is simple, but soft short circuits cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a detection circuit as an intermediary component between the charging interface and the main system. This detection circuit includes a detection resistor connected in series with the charging interface, allowing indirect measurement of electrical parameters. The detection circuit mediates between the charging interface and the processor, enabling soft short circuit detection without directly modifying the charging interface itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional electrical detection methods (direct resistance, voltage, or current measurement) with a power consumption-based detection approach. Instead of measuring electrical parameters directly at the charging interface, the system measures the power consumption of the detection circuit under different states and infers the presence of a soft short circuit from power consumption differences. This substitution enables detection of soft short circuits that were previously undetectable by traditional electrical measurement methods.
2Reliability
If no detection is performed, then the device structure is simple, but battery safety is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The detection circuit is designed to utilize existing system resources for self-detection. The detection circuit shares the charging interface with the main charging function and uses the system's existing processor and power management capabilities. The detection process leverages the natural power consumption differences that occur during charging operations, requiring no additional external detection equipment or complex additional hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent detects soft short circuits by monitoring changes in power consumption parameters. The system measures power consumption under different charging states (normal charging vs. soft short circuit condition) and identifies anomalies based on parameter deviations. By focusing on power consumption as the detection parameter rather than direct electrical measurements, the system achieves enhanced safety with minimal additional complexity.
3Reliability
If detection is performed during charging, then safety is improved, but charging time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The detection process operates continuously and concurrently with the charging process without interrupting or pausing charging operations. The detection circuit measures power consumption in real-time as charging proceeds, allowing the system to maintain continuous safety monitoring while the charging action continues uninterrupted. This eliminates any time loss that would result from stopping charging to perform separate detection cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection circuit is pre-configured and ready to detect soft short circuits before they become critical safety issues. By continuously monitoring power consumption from the start of charging, the system can identify potential soft short circuit conditions early in the charging process, allowing for prompt response before the condition worsens or causes damage, thus preventing time loss associated with later safety interventions.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Effectively detects and mitigates soft short circuits, safeguarding the device from uncontrolled currents and potential damage by initiating appropriate responses.
Implementation Method 1
detecting, by the detection circuit, power consumption of the charging interface in a first state in which a charging cable is disconnected from the charging interface, and power consumption of the charging interface in a second state in which the charging cable is connected to the charging interface
Data Source
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AI summary
A computer-implemented method for detecting soft short circuits at a charging interface of an electronic device is provided. The method includes obtaining an initial voltage measurement of a voltage reference that is electrically coupled to the charging interface of the electronic device. The method includes obtaining a plurality of additional voltage measurements of the voltage reference. The method includes detecting a soft short circuit at the charging interface based, at least in part, on the initial voltage measurement and a voltage measurement of the plurality of additional voltage measurements that is most recent in time. The method further includes causing the electronic device to perform one or more control actions in response to detecting the soft short circuit at the charging interface.